If you enjoyed the heartfelt and introspective journey of 'We Have a Pope' (2011), you'll love these 10 similar movies and shows. This article explores films and series that share themes of faith, identity, and unexpected leadership, offering a mix of drama, humor, and profound storytelling. Whether you're a fan of character-driven narratives or thought-provoking cinema, this list has something for you.

The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968)
Description: A political and spiritual drama about a newly elected pope navigating the complexities of the Vatican and global crises, emphasizing the human side of religious leadership.
Fact: One of the first Hollywood films to depict the election of a pope. It was released during a period of significant change in the Catholic Church.


The Exorcist (1973)
Description: A horror classic that explores themes of faith, doubt, and the battle between good and evil, centered around a priest's crisis of belief during an exorcism.
Fact: The first horror film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Many viewers reported fainting or becoming ill during its original theatrical run.


The Mission (1986)
Description: A visually stunning exploration of faith, colonialism, and redemption, set against the backdrop of 18th-century South American missions.
Fact: Won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The film's soundtrack, composed by Ennio Morricone, is considered one of the greatest in cinema history.


The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Description: A controversial reinterpretation of the life of Jesus, focusing on his humanity and spiritual struggles, challenging traditional religious narratives.
Fact: The film was banned in several countries and sparked protests due to its unconventional portrayal of Christ. It was based on Nikos Kazantzakis' novel of the same name.


The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Description: A visceral depiction of the final hours of Jesus' life, emphasizing suffering and sacrifice, with a focus on the physical and spiritual trials of faith.
Fact: The dialogue is entirely in Aramaic, Latin, and Hebrew with subtitles. It became one of the highest-grossing R-rated films in history.


Doubt (2008)
Description: A tense drama that delves into themes of faith, doubt, and authority within a Catholic school, raising questions about truth and moral certainty.
Fact: Adapted from a Pulitzer Prize-winning play. The film's ambiguous ending sparked widespread debate among audiences and critics.


Spotlight (2015)
Description: Explores themes of institutional power and moral responsibility within the Catholic Church, focusing on investigative journalism uncovering systemic issues.
Fact: Won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. The film is based on the real-life Boston Globe investigation into the Catholic Church abuse scandal.


Calvary (2014)
Description: A darkly comedic and philosophical examination of faith, morality, and the role of the church in modern society, centered around a priest facing a moral dilemma.
Fact: The film's title refers to the site of Jesus' crucifixion, symbolizing the priest's personal sacrifice. It was praised for its sharp dialogue and Brendan Gleeson's performance.


Philomena (2013)
Description: A poignant story about a woman's search for truth and reconciliation with her past, highlighting the Catholic Church's role in historical injustices.
Fact: Based on the true story of Philomena Lee, who spent decades searching for her son taken by nuns. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards.


The Young Pope (2016)
Description: A provocative series that examines the inner workings of the Vatican and the personal struggles of a unconventional pope, blending satire with deep theological questions.
Fact: The series features Jude Law in a rare television role. Its surreal visual style and bold storytelling divided critics and audiences.
